The crazy summer travel season has already begun which means I will be pretty much living out of a small duffel until fall arrives. I absolutely hate lugging around tons of stuff, so each season I try to build off a base mix-and-match wardrobe. You may notice that almost everything is in dark colors — this not only hides dirt really well, but makes it easier to match separates and tie the whole thing together with pops of color when needed. Here are ten of my essentials for travel this summer.
Pact Organic Slouchy Sweatshirt: Pact Organic uses only organic cotton, looking to minimize their impact on the environment and improve the conditions and quality of life for the people who make their clothing. What can be better than a super soft organic cotton slouchy sweatshirt that looks dressy enough to wear in more formal settings. It features a relaxed fit with a ballet neckline you can wear it off the shoulder if that’s your thing. This sweatshirt makes for the comfiest plane wear as well.
Pact Organic Pocket Dress: This short-sleeve cotton dress is flattering on most anyone with its cinched waist and scoop neckline. Two hidden side pockets provide a parking spot for your hands — who doesn’t love dress pockets!. Throw on some heels, jewelry or a colorful scarf to dress it up, or pair with some Converse for cruising around town during the day.
Nau 3/4 Repose Shirt: This shirt is made from a fine cellulosic fiber (from beech wood trees) that feels super soft against the skin and breathes like cotton. The shirt washes easily and dries quickly. The nice drape fit means it can be worn for pretty much any occasion.
ExOfficio Kukura Pants: While all the ExOfficio pants are great for travel, these are made from an abrasion-resistant 4-way stretch fabric with a Teflon treatment to protect you from any mishaps. This means they not only resist dirt, but also wash easily and dry quickly — something I put to the test after sliding down a muddy hill on my bum in Tierra del Fuego. For storing essentials during the day, you get two slash front pockets, a zip leg pocket, and two back pockets, one with a security zip.
Clothing Arts Travel Wrap Skirt: Cute skirt meets stealth travel security — five hidden, signature Pick-Pocket Proof pockets (3 side and 2 back) let you keep your valuables securely within reach. The pockets are big enough to discreetly store your passport, phone, keys, money, and other valuables. Quick-drying and easy to pack, the knee-length flat front design is a flattering basic that offers a nice alternative to pants or shorts.
ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh Bikini Briefs: Anyone who travels a lot owns a few pairs of ExOfficio underwear. Made from an antimicrobial treated mesh fabric, these briefs are super comfortable to wear and incredibly easy to wash on the go. Flatlock seams cut down on any chaffing and also look a bit more flattering when worn under pants or a skirt.
Converse: Chuck Taylors are a stylish classic that go with absolutely everything. And they are comfortable enough to wear walking around all day long.
Filson Grab ‘N’ Go Tote: Big enough to carry all your plane essentials (including a 15″ laptop) yet small enough to tour around town all day, this medium-sized tote is made from an abrasion- and water-resistant Tin Cloth material and nylon lining.
Kaenon Sunglasses: It wouldn’t be summer travel without a great pair of shades.
Sony A6000: I never go anywhere without my camera. I love the new Sony mirrorless cameras as they create a lightweight, compact package you can take with you anywhere — even in a jersey pocket. The camera delivers beautiful, crisp imagery and works well in low light conditions like capturing starry night skies.